What does the Bible say about men wearing earrings?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not forbid men from wearing earrings, but it calls all believers to modesty, holiness, and freedom from idolatry rather than binding conscience where God has not spoken. Earrings were worn by men and women in the biblical world: Genesis 35:4 and Exodus 32:2 connect them with idolatry in a particular context, while Numbers 31:50 and Judges 8:24 mention them as valuable ornaments. Deuteronomy 22:5 addresses deliberately obscuring the distinction between men and women, not every cultural form of jewelry. Ezekiel 16:12 uses earrings in imagery of God’s lavish provision. Christians should therefore consider their motives, local associations, sexual propriety, and witness, pursuing the modest adornment commended in 1 Timothy 2:9.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ezekiel 16:12 3 votes
I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- Deuteronomy 22:5 3 votes
A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- Leviticus 19:28 3 votes
“‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Genesis 35:4 3 votes
They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
- Numbers 31:50 3 votes
We have brought Yahweh’s offering, what every man found: gold ornaments, armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before Yahweh.”
- Judges 8:24 3 votes
Gideon said to them, “I do have a request: that you would each give me the earrings of his plunder.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
- Exodus 35:22 2 votes
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.
- Exodus 32:2 2 votes
Aaron said to them, “Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.”
- 1 Timothy 2:9 2 votes
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
- Genesis 24:22 2 votes
As the camels had done drinking, the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold,
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